LanceD

So after exhausting my search for a decent replacement dash, I think I'll either get a universal fiberglass dash or build my own.

Does anyone know if the auto meter gauges will work using signals from the wiring that goes into the factory gauge cluster?

AlpineRAM

On the 24V I would think not- they hace a can bus dashboard.
(There you could go wild with an arduino and oled displays etc)
On the 12V I don't know, but why don't you incorporate the stock cluster in your fiberglass dashboard?

LanceD

That's the plan if the aftermarket stuff would be hard to wire up

AlpineRAM

Just took a quick look on my side of the pond- VDO instruments.

Assuming that you get an impulse count (meaning one impulse every so and so many inches/centimeters etc) a programmable speedometer and odometer is not a problem.
On a 12V getting the signal from the crankshaft sensor should not be a problem.
Temp gauge, voltage gauge, oil pressure- no problem, supply your own sensors.
Fuel gauge.. interesting, you could wire it up to the stock sender. (parallel wiring high impedance gauge)


But- a lot of effort and if you have a good stock cluster a lot less work to reuse it.

AlpineRAM

Well, and if it's just the upper level of your dash that is cracked- re-form it with plastic foil, use PU foam to make a mold and laminate a new part in the fom of a stock part. (As long as it's not a very complicated form with holes for stuff this should be the quickest way to get a decent looking dash.

LanceD

The top is toast, as well as the dash structure. My radio screw mounts are cracked off, the other day I pushed my OD button and the whole panel fell into the dash somewhere. My AC controls are kinda just sitting there, screw mounts gone. Every time I hit a significant bump, a piece or two of plastic fall out. My under steering wheel cover panel broke and fell off, as well as the glove box haha. Are all of the dashes that bad? Like junkyard pieces?
I'm not opposed to getting a replacement oem if I can find one stronger than a saltine cracker.

AlpineRAM

Well, OK, that does not sound good..
I haven't seen dashes that bad on these trucks.. never had to replace one.